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The information was shared by participants at a seminar to get opinions on the International Convention on the Rights of Older Persons (ICROP) in Hanoi on June 15.
The seminar aims to reach a consensus among ministries, departments and relevant agencies to propose that the United Nations approves ICROP to help older people have a better life and receive better care.
Pham Tuyet Nhung, deputy head of the International Relations Department at the Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE), said 1 out of 3 older people in the world are ill-treated. In Vietnam, 23.5% of older people live in poverty, 73% are not a pensioner and 80,000 elderly are supportless.
The VAE urged the Government and relevant ministries to support the completion of the UN legal system for the elderly.
Do Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Committee for Social Affairs, said only 60% of the older people in Vietnam have a health insurance card, much lower than the country’s average rate of 73%.
Participants discussed the ICROP contents and expressed their hope that relevant agencies will get involved in the campaign to protect the rights of older people.
Vu Xuan Quang, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Vietnam is implementing the social welfare policy effectively so it should support the ICROP. However, it should be in line with common situation and not affect other rights, such as the rights of the child and gender equality.
The VAE hoped that a new ICROP will be an effective tool to ensure the rights of older people.